MDA Publishes Terminology White Papers
MDA has announced the publication of two new white papers highlighting the importance of terminology issues in the management and use of museum collections.
Terminology for Museum Managers details the strategic benefits of using standardised terminologies and describes how this can support knowledge sharing within the heritage community. Such benefits include:
- The ability to retrieve information quickly and simply
- A standards-compliant approach which supports applications for Museum Accreditation
- Better-managed intellectual property leading to greater opportunities for commercial activity
- An enhanced ability to publish information and to make collections visible online
Terminology for Museum Staff sets out how the use of standardised terminologies can aid the work of museum staff such as conservators, education officers, volunteers and front of house staff, by improving the flow of information between areas of curatorial expertise and departments.
Gordon McKenna, MDA Standards and Systems Manager, commented, 'These new resources have been designed to give museum documentation specialists the tools they need to persuade their managers and other colleagues of the importance and usefulness of terminology in achieving national standards in information management.'
The white papers have been published as part of SPECTRUM Terminology, MDA's free online service, which also contains guidance on creating thesauri, alongside a number of existing standard terminologies and general information on the use of terminology for museums.
For further information about SPECTRUM Terminology, and to view the white papers, visit: http://www.mda.org.uk/spectrum-terminology/termess.htm.
Notes for Editors
MDA is the UK's lead organisation in documentation and the management of collections information. Our vision is of a sector in which collections are managed effectively, efficiently, and in accordance with national standards to create inspiring, engaging and sustainable services.
SPECTRUM Terminology was launched in 2005, with the purpose of creating a single-point of access for information relating to terminology for the heritage sector.
For further information about the work of MDA, or to interview Nick Poole, MDA Director, contact eleanor@mda.org.uk or telephone 01223 316 028.
MDA is supported by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA). www.mla.gov.uk.
